Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Mozzarella-Studded Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

When I was planning our menu last week, I realized we hadn't had spaghetti in quite a long time, and that was just unacceptable. We're simple people, and spaghetti and meatballs is one of our favorite meals to eat. I knew I had to put it on the menu this week, but I also wanted to get a little bit creative. Typically I make my meatballs with hot Italian sausage, but since Andrew can't handle really spicy foods quite yet, I wanted to find an alternative. I could have made these again (which are delicious), but then I saw this post from Cake, Batter, and Bowl and a lightbulb went on. Chicken parmesan meatballs! What an ingenious idea.

I took my inspiration from the post I linked to above, but I did my own thing with the recipe. I just winged it, and we all absolutely loved how these turned out. These meatballs taste exactly like little servings of chicken parm. I was initially going to put a small piece of mozzarella cheese in the center of each meatball, but to save time I opted to mix the mozzarella directly into the meatball mixture. I used about 3 pieces of chopped string cheese (I know, I know, but Andrew loves it and we always have it in the house), but you could also used chopped fresh mozzarella or shredded cheese. This is a very versatile recipe, and these meatballs are beyond delicious. They were the perfect topping for our spaghetti!

4. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Heat enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the same large skillet used for the onion and garlic. Roll the meatballs in the breadcrumb and parmesan cheese mixture.

5. Add meatballs to skillet and cook in batches until all sides are well-browned, adding more olive oil as necessary. Transfer meatballs to a cookie sheet and finish baking in the oven, 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the meatballs.

I'm a Midwestern wife and mom who loves to cook and bake. I learned to cook by watching the Food Network, hovering over the women in my family, and reading an ever-expanding collection of cookbooks. For me, cooking is a form of therapy, a way to reflect on my memories and to make new ones. I'm drawn to quick, easy, and balanced meals that my entire growing family will enjoy. If you have questions or comments or just want to chat, you can e-mail me at cassiecraves[at]yahoo[dot]com.